Islamic Legal Theory: A Critical Introduction: Based on al-Juwayni's Waraqat fi usul al-fiqh

David Vishanoff's "Kitab al-Waraqat fī uṣūl al-fiqh" is an essential introduction to classical Islamic legal theory, offering a comprehensive overview of the discipline's concepts, terms, principles, and functions. It provides a valuable entry point for English-speaking readers into the mainstream Sunnī views that dominated Islamic legal thought in al-Juwaynīs day and remain widely accepted today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2022
Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc

David Vishanoff's comprehensive and groundbreaking exploration of the Sunnī jurist al-Juwaynī's (1028–1085) Kitāb al-Waraqāt fī uṣūl al-fiqh presents English-speaking readers with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts, terms, principles, and functions of the classical Islamic discipline of legal theory. This invaluable volume serves as an ideal gateway into the otherwise intricate and intricate mainstream Sunnī perspectives that prevailed in al-Juwaynī's era and continue to hold widespread acceptance today. Additionally, a critical edition of al-Juwaynī's Arabic text is provided, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of this seminal work.

The book delves into the intricate details of al-Juwaynī's legal philosophy, exploring his views on various legal issues and principles. It provides a clear and concise explanation of the key concepts and theories employed in Islamic law, such as the sources of law, the principles of jurisprudence, and the legal reasoning and decision-making processes.

One of the key strengths of the book is its accessibility to readers with limited knowledge of Islamic law. Vishanoff employs a clear and concise writing style, making complex legal concepts accessible and understandable to a broad audience. He also includes numerous examples and illustrations to further enhance the reader's understanding of the subject matter.

In addition to its theoretical aspects, the book also provides a valuable historical and cultural context for al-Juwaynī's legal philosophy. Vishanoff discusses the historical background and development of Islamic law, as well as the social and political factors that influenced al-Juwaynī's thinking. This historical perspective helps readers to appreciate the significance of al-Juwaynī's work and its place within the broader context of Islamic legal thought.

Another notable feature of the book is its critical edition of al-Juwaynī's Arabic text. Vishanoff has meticulously revised and annotated the text, providing valuable insights into the original meaning and interpretation of al-Juwaynī's writings. This critical edition is a valuable resource for scholars and students of Islamic law, as it allows them to access the original text and engage with al-Juwaynī's ideas in a more direct and scholarly manner.

Overall, David Vishanoff's Kitāb al-Waraqāt fī uṣūl al-fiqh is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in learning more about Islamic legal theory. Its comprehensive and accessible approach makes it an ideal entry point for readers with limited knowledge of the subject, while its critical edition of al-Juwaynī's Arabic text provides valuable resources for scholars and students. This book is a testament to Vishanoff's expertise and dedication to the study of Islamic law, and it will undoubtedly continue to be a valuable contribution to the field for years to come.

Weight: 457g
Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647920586